As the chill of the evening settles in, there’s a longing for warmth and comfort that only a hearty dish can fulfill. Enter potatoes au gratin—a timeless classic that embodies the very essence of culinary comfort. At the heart of this dish lies the humble potato, a staple of countless kitchens and the epitome of rustic charm. Paired with the creamy richness of cheddar and the nutty complexity of gruyere, each bite promises to be a symphony of flavors that soothes the soul and warms the spirit.
As I gather the ingredients—red potatoes, onions, butter, flour, and an array of savory spices—I am reminded of the simple joys that food can bring. The rhythmic chopping of onions, the gentle sizzle of butter in the pan—all serve as a prelude to the symphony of aromas that will soon fill the air.
But it is the marriage of potatoes and cheese that truly captures the essence of comfort. As the potatoes simmer in a velvety sauce infused with mustard powder, their earthy sweetness mingles with the sharp tang of cheddar and the creamy decadence of gruyere. With each layer meticulously assembled, the anticipation builds, culminating in a dish that is as visually stunning as it is satisfying to the palate.
As the potatoes au gratin bake to golden perfection in the oven, I am transported to a place where time slows down and worries melt away. The aroma of bubbling cheese and buttery potatoes fills the kitchen, wrapping me in a blanket of culinary bliss. And when at last the dish emerges, piping hot and irresistible, I know that I have created more than just a meal—I have crafted a moment of pure, unadulterated comfort, to be shared and savored with loved ones near and far.
Potatoes Au Gratin
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds red potatoes or russet
- 1 onion
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese shredded
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Wash potatoes and slice into ⅛" thin slices. Slice onion as thin as possible.
- Layer potatoes and onions in little stacks. Place stacks upright in a greased casserole 2.5qt to 3qt dish.
- Melt butter & flour in a saucepan and cook 2-3 minutes. Add seasonings and milk. Whisk over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until melted.
- Spoon cheese sauce over potatoes. Cover with foil (sprayed with cooking spray) and bake 60 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 20-30 minutes or until lightly browned and potatoes are cooked. Cool 15 minutes before serving.